Physicochemical parameters and heavy metals assessment of surface water and sediment from Issiet Ekim Stream in Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work examined the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal of surface water and sediment of Issiet Ekim stream in Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters examined were temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), salinity as chlorine, total alkalinity and bi-carbonate. All the physicochemical parameters were within the standard limits except for pH (6.98) which is above the WHO limit (6.5-8.5). Heavy metals examined include Pb, Hg, Co, As, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn. Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) (XplorAA GBS Model) was used for heavy metal analysis. The heavy metals concentration in the water descends with the following order: Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Pb> Cr > Co > Hg = As, similarly that of sediments flow in the order: Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Cd > Cr > Mn > Ni > Co, Hg = As. Most of the metals exhibited higher concentrations in sediment than in the surface water. The water quality index (WQI) concerning physicochemical properties was 17.5421 suggesting that the stream was safe for drinking and domestic usage as 17.5421 falls within the range of 0 - 25 classification, which signifies excellent water quality.